Pages in this set

Page 1

Marxism and the family

Similarities between Marxism and Functionalism
Marxism and Functionalism are both examples of macro or structural theories. Both
are mainly interested in how the family contributes to the overall running of society
rather than how people experience family life on a daily basis. Like functionalists, then,
Marxists…

Page 2

These ideas are presented as `facts' but in reality they are falsehoods because the
capitalist system is organised by the capitalist class to benefit themselves and their
children.

Marxism and the family

Functionalists are very positive about the institution of the family and see it as good
for both society…

Page 3

Engels saw the bourgeois nuclear family an institution that oppressed women
since they were economically dependent on males. Engels ideas were therefore
influential on the development of Marxist feminism.

Engels timeline of the family

Primitive communism hunters gather food such as berries people live in a
classless society matriarchy group…

Page 4

being in poor working conditions and be able to gain back control (sometimes by
domestic abuse) and forget about being exploited so that they can be readily
exploited the next day again. This view presents a much more critical view than
Parsons functionalist view that the family stabilises adult personalities…

Page 5

work so the bourgeoisie makes more money and profit. Women are a reserve army of
labour. They are hired when the economy is booming or when there is war but will be
the first to be laid off during an economic downturn or when the men return from war.